In early 2020, BASF completed the acquisition of Solvay's polyamide (PA 6.6) business. Through this acquisition, BASF has strengthened the PA business value chain, providing customers with a stable supply chain, a rich product portfolio and efficient product application testing services.
1. Integrate key upstream raw materials to provide a stable supply chain
By integrating the upstream key raw material adiponitrile (ADN), BASF will strengthen the polyamide 6.6 value chain as a whole and improve supply reliability.
The deal between Solvay and BASF includes Solvay's eight production sites in Germany, France, China, India, South Korea, Brazil and Mexico, as well as R&D centers and technical consulting centers in Asia, North America and South America. In addition, the transaction also includes the shares of two French joint ventures, namely: Solvay's 50% stake in the Butachimie joint venture factory established with INVISTA, which mainly produces adiponitrile (ADN) and hexamethylene diamine (HMD); and a 51% stake in Alsachimie, a newly established joint venture between BASF and DOMO Chemical, which produces adipic acid.
2. Integrate Solvay's polyamide business to complement existing product series
In September 2020, BASF launched an improved red phosphorus flame-retardant polyamide grade for the Asian market, further enhancing its product strength in industrial and transportation applications. Compared with traditional materials, this new type of red phosphorus flame-retardant polyamide has excellent mechanical properties and high flame retardancy. It is one of the best flame-retardant plastics at present, and its phosphine (PH3) emission is less than 20ppm*.
"Our product portfolio will expand and supplement existing brands. For example, we have increased our competitiveness in flame retardancy, hydrolysis resistance, and thermal stability." said Long Zhiqiang, global vice president of BASF's Asia Pacific Performance Materials Division . At a recent media meeting, Mr. Zhiqiang Long mentioned four examples of Solvay’s acquisition of polyamide products: Ultramid® RED, which is used in small engines that require light weight and power output; high-fluidity grades, Ultramid ® STAR that enhances the design freedom of parts; Ultramid ® ONE uses new polymerizer technology, has better high temperature performance and bio-based sources, can reduce the carbon footprint, and retain the Ultramid ® eXten, which is a non-renewable resource.
3. Provide more comprehensive engineering plastic materials and component testing services
BASF has strengthened its R&D capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region by acquiring Solvay's polyamide business, leveraging its new processes, technical expertise, and upgraded materials and component testing services.
BASF originally had an ISO 17025 certified laboratory. After acquiring Solvay's polyamide business, BASF has the first laboratory in Asia to obtain UL certification. The test data obtained from the UL certification laboratory can be directly used to apply for the UL Yellow Card-a globally recognized certification for the quality, safety and performance of plastic products. Having UL-certified testing capabilities can greatly simplify the certification process and shorten the time to market for flame-retardant products.
In addition, BASF expanded its component testing capabilities in Shanghai, adding a total of eight tests, including three comprehensive vibration test stands, pressure blast test stands, coolant circulation test stands, oil and gas separation test stands, and stone impact test stands. In the future, all relevant component tests can be carried out directly in Shanghai, which will make product development more efficient.
On November 4, Dr. Mu Yinting (Dr. Ingrid Martin, left), Senior Director of Research and Development of BASF's Asia-Pacific Performance Materials Division, and Mr. Long Zhiqiang, BASF's Global Vice President and Management of Performance Materials Business in Greater China, are the integrated BASF features The product development and component testing laboratory of the Engineering Plastics Innovation Center of Materials Asia Pacific was inaugurated.